When you’re packing bags and planning itineraries for your family vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is what your picky eater will have for dinner. Everyone knows the drill: finding something they’ll eat can be tricky even at home, so the idea of dealing with this matter while on a holiday might seem a bit daunting. But here’s the thing—travelling with a picky eater doesn’t have to be a recipe for mealtime meltdowns. Kids often take their cues from their parents and other adults they’re close to, so showing a bit of empathy and patience can go a long way.

Getting to the root of why some kids are more cautious about their food can be eye-opening. For many kids, it’s often much more complex than simply not liking greens; the child isn’t likely deliberately trying to be difficult, either. Maybe it’s the unfamiliar textures or the overwhelming smells that throw them off. There’s the social side of things, which might involve worrying about what friends might think or feeling pressure to eat something they’re not comfortable with. Whatever the underlying cause of your child’s picky eating behaviours, it’s your job as a parent to help them cultivate a healthy relationship with food both at home and on the go.

If you’re going on a vacation soon, let this feature be your guide to navigating food challenges while travelling with your picky eater. Try the following tips and you can make sure that everyone comes back from your next vacation with happy memories and full bellies:

Look Up Restaurants in Advance

One of the best ways to dodge a dining dilemma is to do a little homework before you hit the road. These days, most restaurants have their menus online, so you can scope out which spots have dishes your little one will like (or at least tolerate). If you’re headed to Singapore, for instance, you should have no problem looking up Changi Airport restaurants to try as soon as you land. It’s all about finding that sweet spot—a place that caters to your child’s preferences but also offers something a bit different to gently nudge their taste buds.

Pack Familiar Snacks

As a parent of a picky-eater, a well-packed snack bag is your best buddy. Whether you’re up in the air or on a road trip, having a stash of your kid’s go-to snacks can be a lifesaver. These familiar foods don’t just fill their tummies, but also serve as a little piece of home that your child can turn to for comfort. Plus, snacks can be a great way to bridge the gap between meals or introduce something new in a low-stress way. Look for opportunities to introduce a touch of adventure to what’s already familiar, like dipping carrot sticks into a new dip. Be patient, take baby steps, and before you know it, they might just surprise you (and themselves) by being a bit more adventurous with their food choices.

Take Your Time Introducing New Foods

Trying something new is easiest and most fun when you’re relaxed and in a good mood, and this is exactly how you want to approach new foods with your kids. Think of your trip as a chance to explore new tastes together, but keep it light and fun. Maybe there’s a local fruit or a pastry that looks interesting—why not give it a try as a family? Seeing you enjoy an unfamiliar dish can be the best kind of encouragement for picky eaters to try a bite too. But if your child isn’t ready to dive in, no worries. Sometimes, just getting them to take a tiny nibble or even lick something new is a win.

Involve Your Child in Decision-Making

Giving your little one a say in what, when, and how much they eat can cut the amount of travel stress you experience by a lot. When you’re planning meals or picking a place to eat, get their input. This could be as simple as having them pick between two options: “Would you like pasta or chicken tonight?” This approach doesn’t just apply to eating out or for big meals; it’s also handy when you’re picking out snacks or even exploring local markets. Having your child choose a new fruit or snack to try is a great way to empower them and make them feel involved in the adventure. Plus, they’re more likely to eat something they’ve chosen themselves, which can turn mealtimes into a positive experience for everyone.

Keep Up a Positive Attitude

It’s easy to get frustrated when your child refuses to eat a meal, especially after a long day of sightseeing. However, staying positive can really change the game. Instead of focusing on what they’re not eating, celebrate the foods they do try. Punishing your child in a situation that’s already stressful for them helps no one; conversely, a little praise can go a long way.

Try to Maintain a Routine

Usually, vacations are all about breaking from the routine. That said, keeping some semblance of normalcy around meal times can help your picky eater adjust. Try to strike a balance between the excitement of being in a new place and the comforting predictability of familiar meal and snack times. If breakfast is usually at 8 AM at home, for instance, try to stick close to that schedule. This can help your child feel more stable and reduce mealtime-related anxiety. In turn, this can make them more open to trying out new things.

Be Flexible

Here’s the thing about travelling with kids: sometimes, you’ve just got to roll with the punches. And when it comes to feeding a picky eater, flexibility is your best friend. Maybe you planned to introduce your child to a new food at dinner, but they’re just not having it. That’s okay. Switching gears and opting for something you know they’ll eat isn’t admitting defeat but choosing your battles wisely. You’ll only create more stress for yourself by being too rigid; besides, there will also be plenty of opportunities to try again.

Navigating the world of travel with a picky eater might seem daunting at first, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity to explore and grow together. Resist the urge to turn mealtimes into standoffs and instead focus on enjoying each other’s company. With a dash of patience, a sprinkle of creativity, and a generous helping of understanding, you can turn your meals into moments of joy and discovery that enrich your family’s travel adventure.

7 Travel Tips for Parents with Children Who Are Picky Eaters

When you’re packing bags and planning itineraries for your family vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is what your picky eater will have for dinner. Everyone knows the drill: finding something they’ll eat can be tricky even at home, so the idea of dealing with this matter while on a holiday might seem a bit daunting. But here’s the thing—travelling with a picky eater doesn’t have to be a recipe for mealtime meltdowns. Kids often take their cues from their parents and other adults they’re close to, so showing a bit of empathy and patience can go a long way.

Getting to the root of why some kids are more cautious about their food can be eye-opening. For many kids, it’s often much more complex than simply not liking greens; the child isn’t likely deliberately trying to be difficult, either. Maybe it’s the unfamiliar textures or the overwhelming smells that throw them off. There’s the social side of things, which might involve worrying about what friends might think or feeling pressure to eat something they’re not comfortable with. Whatever the underlying cause of your child’s picky eating behaviours, it’s your job as a parent to help them cultivate a healthy relationship with food both at home and on the go.

If you’re going on a vacation soon, let this feature be your guide to navigating food challenges while travelling with your picky eater. Try the following tips and you can make sure that everyone comes back from your next vacation with happy memories and full bellies:

Look Up Restaurants in Advance

One of the best ways to dodge a dining dilemma is to do a little homework before you hit the road. These days, most restaurants have their menus online, so you can scope out which spots have dishes your little one will like (or at least tolerate). If you’re headed to Singapore, for instance, you should have no problem looking up Changi Airport restaurants to try as soon as you land. It’s all about finding that sweet spot—a place that caters to your child’s preferences but also offers something a bit different to gently nudge their taste buds.

Pack Familiar Snacks

As a parent of a picky-eater, a well-packed snack bag is your best buddy. Whether you’re up in the air or on a road trip, having a stash of your kid’s go-to snacks can be a lifesaver. These familiar foods don’t just fill their tummies, but also serve as a little piece of home that your child can turn to for comfort. Plus, snacks can be a great way to bridge the gap between meals or introduce something new in a low-stress way. Look for opportunities to introduce a touch of adventure to what’s already familiar, like dipping carrot sticks into a new dip. Be patient, take baby steps, and before you know it, they might just surprise you (and themselves) by being a bit more adventurous with their food choices.

Take Your Time Introducing New Foods

Trying something new is easiest and most fun when you’re relaxed and in a good mood, and this is exactly how you want to approach new foods with your kids. Think of your trip as a chance to explore new tastes together, but keep it light and fun. Maybe there’s a local fruit or a pastry that looks interesting—why not give it a try as a family? Seeing you enjoy an unfamiliar dish can be the best kind of encouragement for picky eaters to try a bite too. But if your child isn’t ready to dive in, no worries. Sometimes, just getting them to take a tiny nibble or even lick something new is a win.

Involve Your Child in Decision-Making

Giving your little one a say in what, when, and how much they eat can cut the amount of travel stress you experience by a lot. When you’re planning meals or picking a place to eat, get their input. This could be as simple as having them pick between two options: “Would you like pasta or chicken tonight?” This approach doesn’t just apply to eating out or for big meals; it’s also handy when you’re picking out snacks or even exploring local markets. Having your child choose a new fruit or snack to try is a great way to empower them and make them feel involved in the adventure. Plus, they’re more likely to eat something they’ve chosen themselves, which can turn mealtimes into a positive experience for everyone.

Keep Up a Positive Attitude

It’s easy to get frustrated when your child refuses to eat a meal, especially after a long day of sightseeing. However, staying positive can really change the game. Instead of focusing on what they’re not eating, celebrate the foods they do try. Punishing your child in a situation that’s already stressful for them helps no one; conversely, a little praise can go a long way.

Try to Maintain a Routine

Usually, vacations are all about breaking from the routine. That said, keeping some semblance of normalcy around meal times can help your picky eater adjust. Try to strike a balance between the excitement of being in a new place and the comforting predictability of familiar meal and snack times. If breakfast is usually at 8 AM at home, for instance, try to stick close to that schedule. This can help your child feel more stable and reduce mealtime-related anxiety. In turn, this can make them more open to trying out new things.

Be Flexible

Here’s the thing about travelling with kids: sometimes, you’ve just got to roll with the punches. And when it comes to feeding a picky eater, flexibility is your best friend. Maybe you planned to introduce your child to a new food at dinner, but they’re just not having it. That’s okay. Switching gears and opting for something you know they’ll eat isn’t admitting defeat but choosing your battles wisely. You’ll only create more stress for yourself by being too rigid; besides, there will also be plenty of opportunities to try again.

Navigating the world of travel with a picky eater might seem daunting at first, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity to explore and grow together. Resist the urge to turn mealtimes into standoffs and instead focus on enjoying each other’s company. With a dash of patience, a sprinkle of creativity, and a generous helping of understanding, you can turn your meals into moments of joy and discovery that enrich your family’s travel adventure.